SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are flowing again after the US government shutdown, bringing relief to low-income households who missed payments in early November.
States rushed to load November funds once the government reopened on 12 November, and December support should follow the usual schedule.
A new concern now takes shape. From next month, many adults will face expanded work requirements. The rules will cover people aged 55 to 64 and parents without young children, and they roll back exemptions for veterans, homeless people and those leaving foster care.
The change is expected to cut the average monthly number of recipients by more than two million over the next decade.
